Rasayana properties of Ayurvedic herbs: Are polysaccharides a major contributor

► Ninety-four traditional Indian medicinal herbs have been reviewed for carbohydrates. ► Fructans, Mannans, Arabinogalactans and xylans as immunomodulators in herbs. ► Antitumor properties and role of plant carbohydrates are assessed. ► Prognosis for medical application of polysaccharides from Rasayana plants. ► Carbohydrates play major role in bringing physiological homeostasis.